Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast

Round Rock Studio
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

Join host Bryan Eisenberg for candid conversations with Round Rock’s most dynamic entrepreneurs and business leaders. Each week, in bite-sized 20-minute episodes, successful local business owners share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs of building thriving enterprises in our growing Texas community. Rock Solid connects you with the real stories and practical wisdom of Round Rock’s business community. From innovative startups to established companies, each episode offers valuable insights into the vibrant business ecosystem that makes Round Rock unique.

  1. 6d ago

    93. Kristin Stevens | Building Round Rock’s Future Through Service

    Round Rock Mayor Pro Tem Kristin Stevens joins Bryan Eisenberg to share her deeply personal connection to the city she now helps lead. Growing up in a family rooted in community service, Kristin reflects on her father’s longtime civic leadership, childhood memories of Blue Santa, Meals on Wheels, Frontier Days, Sertoma, and the stewardship values that shaped her career and public service. Kristin discusses Round Rock’s evolution from a small farming community to one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, including the challenge of balancing big dreams with responsible growth. She also shares why she left a 22-year career in healthcare to serve on City Council, lessons in listening to different perspectives and developing a thick skin, and a full-circle story about being the first person engaged at Dell Diamond—now a place her own family enjoys across generations. Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    93. Kristin Stevens | Building Round Rock’s Future Through Service

  2. Sep 22

    92. Jennifer McPeak | Why Recovery Beats Hustle Culture

    Jennifer McPeak of Evolve Social Wellness joins Bryan Eisenberg on Rock Solid to explore why recovery, connection, and nervous-system regulation matter as much as working harder. Jennifer shares how her background in marriage and family studies, trauma-informed care, and equine-assisted psychotherapy shaped her approach to creating a wellness space that helps people slow down, reconnect with their bodies, and recover physically and emotionally. The conversation covers cold plunges, compression therapy, stress, complex PTSD, burnout, and the hidden cost of living in constant fight-or-flight mode. Jennifer and Bryan discuss the pressure entrepreneurs, professionals, athletes, and even high-performing young adults face to keep pushing—and why intentional recovery can improve mental health, physical performance, relationships, and resilience. They also talk about Evolve Social Wellness's mission to create more meaningful social connection and community in Round Rock, Texas. Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    92. Jennifer McPeak | Why Recovery Beats Hustle Culture

  3. Sep 15

    91. Judge Steve Snell | Williamson County’s Explosive Growth

    County Judge Steve Snell joins Bryan Eisenberg on Rock Solid to explain what a Texas county judge actually does—and why the role is more like serving as a county CEO and emergency manager than presiding over a courtroom. Steve shares how Williamson County’s Commissioners Court supports essential services, from transportation, fleet operations, animal shelters, and juvenile justice to public safety, emergency response, and disaster preparedness following historic flooding. Drawing on his 31-year career in education, including leadership roles in Hutto and Liberty Hill ISD, Steve discusses how rapid population growth prepared him to lead one of the nation’s fastest-growing counties. The conversation explores Williamson County’s distinct communities, economic development opportunities, attracting major employers, workforce development, trade education, higher education, veteran employment, and helping young people discover entrepreneurship and career paths close to home. Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    91. Judge Steve Snell | Williamson County’s Explosive Growth

  4. Sep 8

    90. David Valdez | Former White House Photographer

    Bryan Eisenberg sits down with acclaimed photographer David Valdez, former presidential photographer for George H.W. Bush and founder of the Georgetown Photography Festival. David traces his remarkable career from learning photography in the military and documenting urban rebuilding for the federal government to leading photography at Walt Disney World, traveling to 75 countries with Vice President and President Bush, and building a lasting archive at the George Bush Presidential Library. David shares the leadership lessons he witnessed firsthand in the Oval Office, including President Bush’s humility during the fall of the Berlin Wall, his commitment to gratitude, faith, and service. The conversation also explores David’s volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, the USO, ROCK Therapeutic Horseback Riding, and Crestview Baptist Church, plus the growth of the Texas Photography Festival with CEO Julie Copenhaver. Hear how the festival has grown to welcome more than 1,400 photographers, expanded through workshops and photo walks, and continues to create community across Central Texas and beyond. Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    90. David Valdez | Former White House Photographer

  5. Sep 1

    89. Steve Stapp | Lessons on Banking, Risk, and Round Rock Growth

    In this episode of Rock Solid, Bryan Eisenberg sits down with longtime Round Rock leader Steve Stapp to discuss the bold decision to launch a bank during the 2008 financial crisis. Steve shares why opening a bank when other institutions were pulling back created an opportunity, how a clean slate and decisive execution helped fuel growth, and the entrepreneurial mindset required to move forward when uncertainty is everywhere. With 47 years in banking and deep roots in the Round Rock community, Steve also unpacks the value of trust-based relationships over one-off transactions. He explains his guiding principle—doing the right thing for the right reason—along with empowering employees to serve customers, making difficult lending decisions responsibly, and why Round Rock’s enduring strength comes from the quality of its people, community involvement, and long-term commitment. Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    89. Steve Stapp | Lessons on Banking, Risk, and Round Rock Growth

  6. Aug 25

    88. Seth Flowers | The Hidden Weight Holding Your Business Back

    In this episode of Rock Solid, Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Seth Flowers to explore the hidden chaos inside growing businesses. Seth shares his career journey from uniform and facility solutions to insurance, home services, knife sharpening, and his current role as Director of Sales for Citywide Facility Solutions in Central Texas. He explains why he is drawn to solving operational problems, especially in the essential but often overlooked businesses where trust matters most. Seth and Bryan discuss why owners can’t “read the label from inside the can,” the value of outside perspective, and how entrepreneurs get trapped in urgent problems instead of focusing on what is important. Seth also connects his 100-plus-pound weight-loss journey to business health: looking successful is not the same as being healthy. They cover the importance of reviewing P&Ls instead of relying on bank balances, managing payroll pressure, realigning expectations, and the lessons Seth learned after trading possessions and a home for an RV lifestyle. Rooted in the Round Rock business community, this conversation offers practical insight for entrepreneurs who want to shed the weight of chaos, build healthier companies, and create a business that supports the life they actually want. Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    88. Seth Flowers | The Hidden Weight Holding Your Business Back

  7. Aug 18

    87. Jeff Barnett | Estate Planning Mistakes That Can Cost Your Family

    What happens to your family, home, finances, or business if you don't have an estate plan in place? On this episode of **Rock Solid: The Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast**, Bryan Eisenberg sits down with **Jeff Barnett of Barnett & Leuty** to break down estate planning in Texas—and some of the misconceptions that can create expensive problems for families. With more than 30 years of legal experience, Jeff explains why estate planning isn't only for wealthy families or older adults. In fact, he says every adult starting at age 18 should have certain essential documents in place. Bryan and Jeff discuss: * The **5 essential estate planning documents** many adults should consider * Why an **18-year-old may need a medical and durable power of attorney** * What can happen when someone **dies without a will in Texas** * Why being married doesn't automatically mean everything transfers the way you expect * When a **trust makes sense—and when it may not** * How a **Lady Bird deed** can be used in Texas estate planning * The potential problems with **DIY and online wills** * What adult children should ask their **aging parents** * Why an early dementia diagnosis doesn't necessarily mean it's too late to update estate documents * Common misconceptions surrounding Medicaid, assets, and long-term care planning * How families can build a network of trusted professionals as parents age * Why Texas probate can be different from probate in other states The conversation also goes beyond estate planning. Jeff shares his love for the arts in Round Rock, his appreciation for the city's long-term vision, and the lessons he's learned from completing **38 marathons** and coaching runners for more than 25 years. His running philosophy fits estate planning—and business—surprisingly well: success isn't always about speed. Sometimes the real superpower is stamina. If you've been putting off your will, haven't reviewed your estate plan in years, have aging parents, own a business, or have children who recently turned 18, this conversation is a great reminder to start asking the right questions. **Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency.** **Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social.** **Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.**

    87. Jeff Barnett | Estate Planning Mistakes That Can Cost Your Family

  8. Aug 12

    86. Matt Kata | Inside an MLB Career: Baseball, Mindset & Making It

    What can business leaders learn from a Major League Baseball utility player? A lot. On this episode of Rock Solid, Bryan Eisenberg sits down with former MLB player and Round Rock Express Hall of Famer Matt Kata to talk about the mindset that carried him from professional baseball into banking, coaching, and community leadership. Matt shares what it meant to embrace being a “Swiss Army knife” on the baseball field, why versatility and putting ego aside can create opportunities, and how those same lessons apply in business today. He also takes us inside one of baseball’s unforgettable moments: being on the field for Randy Johnson’s perfect game. Matt explains the mental battle happening as the innings passed, the mantra he used to stay present, and why controlling your self-talk matters when the pressure is at its highest. The conversation also dives deep into youth sports and coaching. Matt discusses why a coach’s impact is never neutral, what parents should look for when choosing coaches, and his ACE philosophy: Attitude. Concentration. Effort. Those are the things you can control—whether you’re playing baseball, building a business, raising kids, or navigating everyday life. Matt and Bryan also discuss relationships and character in banking, Matt’s transition into commercial lending, and the story of how baseball—and meeting his future wife—helped make Round Rock home. In this episode:• Lessons from being a professional utility player• Matt’s memories of Randy Johnson’s perfect game• Staying present and controlling negative self-talk• Why “preparation is always in season”• The ACE philosophy: Attitude, Concentration & Effort• What youth sports coaches should really be teaching• The problem with a win-at-all-costs mentality• How sports lessons translate into business and banking• Why character and relationships matter in lending• Matt’s connection to the Round Rock Express and Round Rock community Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    86. Matt Kata | Inside an MLB Career: Baseball, Mindset & Making It
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Join host Bryan Eisenberg for candid conversations with Round Rock’s most dynamic entrepreneurs and business leaders. Each week, in bite-sized 20-minute episodes, successful local business owners share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs of building thriving enterprises in our growing Texas community. Rock Solid connects you with the real stories and practical wisdom of Round Rock’s business community. From innovative startups to established companies, each episode offers valuable insights into the vibrant business ecosystem that makes Round Rock unique.

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